Gomen ne, I don't know any German. ^^ This would be my second attempt at Weiss Kreuz fiction. Please bear with me, as the last one was not only fluff, but it flopped.
Also, this is again based on Teychan's USWK fic... hell, it's based off of something Teychan said when I asked for a WK fic challenge, and when the conversation turned to other fics I've written that grew to be longer than intended. It was "The Saga of Riva... in Sixty Parts" (I laughed)
So here we go... er... this won't be sixty parts tho... hopefully....

Also, just as a warning, this fanfic has no translation notes. I felt it took away from the story. If you have any questions, feel free to check the companion file, or if it doesn't have what you're looking for, you can email me at Inseiko@hotmail.com Please make sure the regarding is clearly marked so I don't accidentally delete it with all the spam I get. ^^

* * *

The summer sun was unbearably hot, reflecting off the concrete world and rippling the forest of skyscrapers in his vision. He took his glasses off as he sat next to the fountain in the empty park and used the tail of his suitcoat to wipe them free of perspiration. Placing them back on his face, set before eyes that gleamed bronze beneath long ebony bangs, he proceeded to wait.

The future came in gleams and snatches. To say he knew the future was a bit of a misnomer. Take this moment in time for example. He knew he would meet someone here. Who? He didn't know. Why? Well, that one was always a mystery to him. He leaned back and gazed at the sky. Let's see... what else could he see at the moment? A meeting with Takatori... a gust of wind... Weiss causing trouble for him again. The foreseen gust of wind blew past... bringing with it his mystery meeting.

For a moment, she was just another blur, distorted by the heat rising off the pavement, but as she drew nearer, the air cleared and she became more distinct. He didn't have to look down to see her, his mind painted a perfect representation. Almost too perfect. He brought his head down to look with his physical eyes, and she paused her steps.

" Konnichiwa, " she greeted softly.

The sunlight filled the space between them, accompanied by the sounds of cicadas. It made things brighter, surreal even. He liked it; the way it caught the fine fabric of her blue flowered kimono which twitched with every subtle movement her body made. Placing one hand on the fountain next to him, he offered, " Please. "

She bowed her head politely and sat as indicated. Unfolding her hands from where they had been clasping a parcel before her, she deftly unwrapped the simple bentou lunch and withdrew a pair of chopsticks from her obi. Placing the chopsticks diagonally on the edge of the box, she lifted one of the three takuan to her lips and took a bite.

Crawford watched every movement with facination. From the quick movements of her slender hands to the way one strand of her hair lost it's place and fell forward across her cheek as she ate. It was all incredibly interesting to him. Why? Why was he meeting this woman here? What purpose did this meeting have?

The sun was hot...

She noticed him watching her and he looked away quickly. Directing his gaze at the empty pathway, he pondered the meeting with fervor. Something had drawn him here, the future showed him meeting this woman... but...

He paused when the bentou box entered his peripheral vision. Looking back, he stared questioningly at the kind smile on her face.

" Hai, " she offered.

Crawford smiled at himself and took one of the offered takuan. He'd been in his business too long. He couldn't expect instant gratification in everything. He thanked his mystery meeting for the food and ate. It was good, he liked it.

He didn't know the passage of time, but it must have been longer than he thought. When most of the food was gone she gave a start at the one o'clock bell in the distance. With hurried words of parting she gathered up her bentou and dashed back in the direction she'd come from. She was far gone, and the only sounds were the cicadas and the water in the fountain when he realized...

... he never asked her name...

* * *

Schuldich turned to greet him as he rounded the corner. Here the light was dim, casting thick shadows across the slick linoleum floor. When he looked at his watch, he noted that the lighting made his suit look more yellow than it was white.

" We've been waiting, " Schuldich greeted him, nodding his head towards the door he stood outside of, " he requires our services for tonight. " He tilted his head back and smiled. " Or so he thinks...? "

" Aah, " Crawford agreed, closing his hand around the dull brass doorknob, " there is the possibility. " He opened the door and entered, passing from the dull lit hallway into the office which bay windows let in lazy sunlight. He passed through bars of sunbeam and darkness to the desk at the opposite end.

Takatori Reiji gazed at him with perpetually glaring deep set eyes. His wide face was accented with white sideburns that reached to his chin. When he was angry it made for a fearsome image. At the moment, however, he was his normal politician self.

" I've arranged a meeting with some businessmen for this evening. I've already had my secretary make the arrangements. This is an important meeting, so I trust you are free to accompany me? "

" Yes, " Crawford responded immediately. " Tell me, what restaurant were you thinking of, sir? "

" The Baranohana, it's not far from here. Very good food there, but I haven't been there in years... traditional Japanese serving. I aim to impress tonight, so I don't want any intrusions. "

The businessmen or the waitresses, I wonder... thought Schuldich.

If Crawford was paying attention, he gave no indication of it. " What time? "

" Seven sharp, if you can be here earlier that is preferable. The reservations are for seven-thirty. "

Crawford smiled despite himself as he confirmed this. He had a premonition, a feeling; tonight was going to be a good night.
 

Schuldich gave Crawford a sidelong look as they left the office.

" A good night, eh? Wonder what it is that makes it so good, " he posed the question... oddly...

Crawford smiled and adjusted his glasses. " I don't know what you're getting at Schuldich. " The lights reflected on the rims as he raised his head to look at the other man steadily. " I'm going to have Nagi look into this Baranohana restaurant. I'll see you at seven. "

Schuldich watched him go and smirked. " I'm not getting at anything, myself... but the good thing about this evening... " he said softly, more to himself than Crawford's retreating back, " well, let's just say... it tastes different... " He turned to leave down the opposite end of the hallway, " Hn. "

* * *

By evening the hot sunny weather had given way to the beginnings of a summer rainstorm. At seven-thirty it may well have been night already; it was so dark. The wind whipped through the humid, sun broiled city streets. Heat rolled in great, tangible waves between the cars, making everything feel sticky, and stifled, for it was still unbearably hot.

The moment he stepped out of the car his hair and clothes were sent into disarray. He watched Schuldich's demeaner fall to much the same fate as he stepped out of the driver's side. Nagi was the worse for wear, his bangs reaching nearly his chin. The young boy was forced to hold his hair back until they reached the calm inside of the restaurant.

" Irrasshaimase, Okyakusama, " bowed a waitress in a flamboyant orange and gold kimono. " Table for four? "

" Iie, " Crawford approached her as the other three prepared to escort in Takatori and his business partners. " Reservation for Takatori Reiji and company. "

" Hai, " she bowed again and stepped aside, indicating the main hallway leading deeper into the establishment. " This way please. "

The entire group followed her to a conference room near the back. Takatori and his companions chatted the entire way, and took their seats at the table while Schwartz stood by the door and waited to be dismissed. Takatori always provided a separate room for them. It was a typical business meeting so far...

After a moment, two other serving girls entered with tea, accompanied by another woman who closed the door behind them silently and bowed to the roomful of businessmen. " Irrasshaimase, " she said, repeating the greeting of the first girl, " Thank you for choosing the Baranohana for your meeting. I am your hostess for the evening, Riva Okiayu, please come to me for whatever you want. "

She still hadn't fixed that stray piece of hair, he noted, before the familiarity of the blue flowered kimono hit him. He looked at her in recognition. She wasn't even going to notice he was there...

Done with the tea, the other two girls hurried past Riva and slid the door back open. Bowing once again, Riva followed them out. As she slid the door back, Schuldich gripped the frame and stopped it halfway.

" Ah, Sumen, " he said, smiling down at her, " We were just leaving. "

" Sumimasen, " she apologized, pulling the door open for them.

Schuldich wavered this away and headed across the hall. Nagi and Farfarello followed him, leaving Crawford to be the last to leave. As he turned to leave the room they met eyes and hers flickered recognition.

" You will be our hostess as well? " he asked as he passed.

" Hai. "

" Aah, " he closed the other door behind himself.

[snort, okay, I need a translation note here. He's not saying Aaahhhhhh like he's sighing or happy or something, that would be totally OOC ne? Aah is like Ee, in the Japanese language, which is something like a confirmation. It's like saying "alright" or "okay"]

" A good night, " commented Schuldich as Crawford sat down.

* * *

" White hunters... hunt the futures of these dark beasts! "

" Aaaauuunnnnn... " Youji leaned back in his chair and gazed pitifully at the ceiling. " Could get messy on a night like tonight. "

Manx offered him a smile. " Afraid of a little water, Youji? "

Youji closed his eyes and smiled. " Manx, you know I'm not afraid of getting wet. "

No one bothered to wonder if he was punning or not. (which he probably was)

Omi walked to the top of the stairs and looked out at the store. In the dim light the hanging plants were wavering slightly from the air disturbances the storm caused. It was now eight o'clock and the store was black as midnight save for the backlighting in the display cases. The sounds outside were eerie, giving off a bad premonition about that night's mission. He could hear the wind slapping the rain against the windows.

They were going to get more than just a little wet.

* * *

He found her handing out umbrellas to brave customers who were leaving despite the storm. Outside the streets were already drenched and the ripples in the darkness made them look like fathomless rivers. It would be hell driving home tonight. He'd be driving of course, as Schuldich was already into the sake with Farfarello.

" Take care, " she said in parting, her soft voice barely heard above the wind outside. The customers leaving bowed to her and made their way outside. She closed the door after them and turned back, nearly running into him in the process.

He stopped her before she could apologize again. " They're asking for another round of drinks. "

" Right away, " she passed him and headed for the kitchen area. Pausing behind him, she turned back and asked quietly, " Ano... may I ask your name, please? "

" Brad Crawford. "

" I enjoyed lunch today, Crawfordsan. "

* * *

" The Target is Yamakawa Kuri. He's a chairman with the Houshin Corporation. He's been an active member in the black market for firearms. He's also into some other underhanded political dealings with the United States and China.

" Currently, he is in a business meeting at the Baranohana Restaurant. Our mission is to infiltrate the restaurant and kill only him. No other businessmen or bystanders are to see us or die. "

" Eh? What does Persia think we are? " Youji complained as Omi finished the recount of their orders. " We're assasins not magicians. "

" If we cut the power it shouldn't be so hard to avoid the other customers and restaurant staff. But the other members of the meeting might prove to be a problem... " Ken commented.

Youji lit a cigarette, illuminating his features only briefly before the soft glow of the lit end was all that could be seen. " Ne, Aya, what do you think? " he asked of the silent driver.

" We will complete the mission as ordered. "

Youji smirked sardonically. " Of course. "

Cigarette smoke filled the air before him, twisting within the view of the headlights. It looked like it was raining inside the car for a moment, almost. Something felt like... tonight wasn't going to be as simple as anyone hoped or thought it would be.

* * *

So...

They were coming afterall.

Crawford paused in the hallway between the two rooms. Looking further down, he played with his senses to get a better feel of the upcoming situation. They would kill the lights first, like always. Then enter from there... the target wasn't Takatori but one of his companions. He wondered if it was any of Schwartz's business.

The door opened and Schuldich leaned against the frame with a feral smile on his face. " Of course it is... " he said, a dangerous gleam of happiness in his blue eyes, " ... it's Weiss. "

Behind him, Farfarello sniggered. The Irishman was holding a knife against his own palm, at that dangrous point between resting on the skin and breaking it. Crawford made a mental note that upon future visits to make sure their room was devoid of all western cutlery.

" Oh? " inquired Schuldich playfully, " We'll be coming back, will we? "

The lights went out, and the world disappeared from his vision.

* * *

" The storm must have knocked out our power. Please accept our apologies. We'll be providing you with candles in a moment. Please feel free to stay as long as you like. Drink service will continue, but I'm afraid the kitchen has no backup generator. If the power does not come back you will be compensated for anything you ordered prior to this incident. Thank you. "
 

" Nagi, you wait at the door here, Farfarello, you go to the end of the hall. Weiss is entering at two points. The back where they just took out the transformer and through the kitchen door. Schuldich, you come with me to the kitchen. Wait for them to show themselves before attacking: and try to keep the fighting confined. "

" He's aiming to impress, afterall, " Schuldich added jokingly.

* * *

She emerged from the darkness, surrounded by the soft glow of the candle she carried. The warm light accented her features, from her dark eyes to the hair that disappeared outside of the small flame's reach. In the other hand she carried a box of slender ivory candles.

" Crawfordsan... " she trailed off when he and Schuldich came into view. " I was just bringing candles for Takatorisan and you. "

Crawford grasped her by the shoulder gently and steered her away, pulling her along with him back to the main area of the restaurant. " No need, " he said calmly.

" But... " she trailed off, looking up at him curiously.

He looked down at her and assured, " They'll be fine. " The light didn't reach his eyes, she had no way of knowing that he was lying to her. " Trust me. "  He paused outside the door to the kitchen, his hand still on her shoulder. He could see... somehow she didn't believe him. Something in his voice... intuition.... what had given him away?

" Crawford, " intruded Schuldich in a hushed tone. He pushed open the door to the kitchen, " I can hear them. They're here. "

" Who? "

Crawford left her, and disappeared into the kitchen.

* * *

Youji and Aya slipped into the kitchen soundlessly, slipping through shadows around disoriented cooks and waitresses. They needed no words, no signals to keep in touch. They were one half of an elite team... they each knew exactly what the other was doing.

" Yare yare... "

Youji and Aya froze.

By the door where a round window filtered stray candlelight, a match was lit. The sudden burst of fire illuminated Schuldich's grinning face for but a moment before it was snuffed out and he disappeared into darkness again.

The next thing Youji knew, a heavy blow hit him in the back of the head and he was down on the ground. Rolling, he came up and aimed... finding nothing to aim at. And all that could be heard was a muffled shriek in the back. Chikushou... why did their still have to be people in the room?

" Your mission ends here... " commented Crawford eerily, emerging from the darkness before Aya. The Schwartz leader smirked as the Weiss leader glowered.

Aya slowly drew his kitana from the sheath. " Schwartz... you will not interfere... " With those words the deadly assasin attacked.

* * *

Omi silently stole around the corner, and was promptly struck with an invisible force that slammed him against the wall. He cried out in shock, then pain as the force pressed him into the wall so hard he felt he would break.

" Omi! " Ken cried, and ran to help. He just barely noticed the attack in time, and dodged as Farfarello swiped at him. The razor sharp edge of the knife caught his cheek as he moved, drawing a line of blood. He twisted out of the way as Farfarello turned and swiped again. Unsheathing his claws, he caught the third attack.

As he held the other man at bay, Ken wondered aloud, " Why is Schwartz here?! "

" I-- " Omi was struggling, trying to lift his bow despite being dug into the wall, " I-- I don't know! " He lined up the sight with Nagi, who was watching with dull, unnatural eyes just inside Omi's range of visibility. " Persia didn't say-- " He fired, collapsing to the ground as Nagi's attention shifted focus.

Ken found himself backed into a corner with Farfarello pushing at him all the more. The taller man brought out his other hand, in which was clasped a single chopstick. Before Ken could realize and move, that chopstick found itself in his shoulder. Ken gritted his teeth and held back an outcry. Farfarello pressed all his weight and moved his face closer to Ken's.

" Scream, " he commanded quietly, pushing the blunt end of the chopstick further. When Ken refused to comply he twisted his hand and worked it in deeper. " Scream! "

Omi came up choking and looked at his partner. " Kenkun! " He dashed to help, dodging attacks by Nagi as he went.

Nagi watched all this expressionlessly. Raising his hand, the door next to him ripped off it's hinges and hurled towards Omi. Omi paused and watched it come with widening eyes. The frail wood and rice paper had enough force to smack him into the wall. Omi crumpled, sheilding his face as the door exploded into shards above him.

* * *

Youji had Schuldich bound with wire, but somehow the German had managed to grab a handful and was using it to strangle him with his own weapon. They were in a stalemate, neither willing to relent. Youji was losing breath as Schuldich lost blood... it was all a matter of who's body gave out first.

Meanwhile, Aya and Crawford were merely out of breath. There was not a drop of blood shed between them, but both were nearing exhaustion. Crawford from evading Aya's unwieldy attacks, and Aya from attacking. They had mutually paused a moment, catching their breaths and gazing at each other unyieldingly. Then Aya lunged forward, and Crawford stepped back to avoid it. He overestimated the distance however, and when he hit the swinging door he ended up staggering out of the kitchen into the hallway.

Riva gasped and dropped her candle box, the thin white cyllindars rolling across the floor to rest against his feet. She stood against the wall by the door. Had she been there the whole time? What had she heard?

Before Aya followed him into the hallway Crawford whispered, " Don't look. "

The door opened, and the black-clad redhead emerged. Lifting his sword, he attacked, slicing the wall in a downwards stroke. As Crawford moved, he twisted the blade and followed through the wall. Crawford paused in the middle of the hallway and struggled for breath. Aya jerked his sword out of the wall and leveled the blade at him.

" Aya... " Youji staggered out of the kitchen, pulling wire from around his neck. He dropped the dented frying pan and adopted a fighting stance. " Go complete the mission -- I'll take care of him. "

Aya nodded and ran down the hallway.

" Saa... " Youji said quietly, " Let's see how well you predict my weapon... "

* * *

Aya came to the end of the hall and stopped short. Assessing the situation he attacked Farfarello, who barely escaped.

Releasing Ken, Farfarello drew the chopstick out at an angle, lifting a spurt of blood into the air. He backed out of Aya's range and leered at them both, lifting the stained chopstick to his mouth.

Aya turned and shouted, " Omi! "

" Hai, " Omi nodded and got to his feet. Warily eyeing Nagi over the sight on his bow, he moved to the conference room. Opening the door a crack, he tossed in a smoke bomb and held the door shut as it went off.

Sensing they had lost, Nagi backed into the shadows and retreated.

The conference room opened abruptly, spilling smoke into the hallway. It obscured everything, even as the first flash of lightning illuminated the hall. All Ken saw in that moment was Aya disappering into the smoke, sword in hand.

* * *

When the next morning came, while the wind had left, the heat and the rain remained. The day was gray, dismal. Nothing at all like the day before it. People rushed around him, cowering under their umbrellas as they made their way to and fro, gossiping in hushed whispers about the building they were passing.

The front doors of the Baranohana were wide open despite the rainy weather. Probably to air out the smell. From where he was standing he could see all the way to the end of the main hallway. He could see her, standing on the other side of the large bloodstain that covered the floor.

It didn't look like she'd left since last night. That same blue kimono looked crumpled and worn... weary, like her face. Her lips were parted, another sign that she was tired, and her eyes never strayed from the dark stain that stretched like a cavern between them.

Abruptly her eyes lifted, and she gazed directly at him. Stepping carefully over the stain as best she could, she walked to the very edge of the building and stared at him, saying nothing. The rain filled the space between them, accompanied by the almost melodic sound of falling water. The light that filtered through the clouds caught the colours in her dress better than then sun alone ever could have.

Stepping outside, she approached him, never taking her eyes away from his until she turned left on the sidewalk and kept on walking. Silently, Crawford followed, quickening his pace subtly until his umbrella sheltered her as well.

A few blocks later he made an attempt at conversation: " Miss Okiayu... "

" Dame, " she cut him off.

He contemplated leaving, but didn't see it happening. So they kept on walking side by side in silence through the rainy streets. Outside of her apartment building she stopped walking and he kept going.

" Ocha... " she trailed off. Dropping her gaze she looked to the side uncertainly.

Crawford turned back. " Hai, " he said accepting her offer as simply as it was made.
 

Up in the apartment, she entered before him, setting out guest slippers for him to use and making her way to the kitchenette. He removed his shoes, set the umbrella by the door and followed her. In the kitchen, she already had a pot on to boil, and was setting out cups and tea leaves. He watched, facinated again by her movements. Today her hands weren't so sure, in fact they trembled so much the cups rattled against the cupboard when she set them down.

Once everything was out, she murmured, " My clothes are wet, I have to change. "

He crossed the kitchen to where she was and offered quietly, " Here... " Gently brushing her hands aside, he deftly untied her obi at the back and handed it forward around her. She took it from him and folded it as neatly as her own hands would allow. Reaching up, Crawford removed the pins from her hair and let it down around her shoulders. This done, his hands came down to rest on her shoulders, and he could feel that it wasn't just her hands which were trembling.

" Are you cold? "

" Iie, just... tired. Arigatou. " She moved out from under his hands and to the next room. " Please excuse me. "

When she re-emerged later, he noted that modern clothes didn't suit her. Maybe it was that he'd initially seen her in the kimono that gave that impression. But still... the white button down shirt and burgundy skirt didn't match her face, nor her demeanor.

Thinking about it, he still didn't know why he'd forseen himself meeting Riva Okiayu for lunch the day before. Or why he had made that vain effort to protect her from Weiss... or why he had excused himself from a meeting to see her today. He liked perfection, he liked to be sure... and this was far from being either.

" You knew that man was going to die, " she said abruptly over tea. He looked at her, jarred out of his thoughts. She looked back at him steadily, the notion didn't seem to scare her as much as it did other people. " I could see it in your face, last night. " Crawford said nothing, and she continued, " I also saw... you were not trying to save him so much as you were fighting the other men... "

" It was more... well, half of it was indifference, what business was it of mine? I was there to protect Takatori, not Yamakawa... "

Silence.

" And the other half? "

" I saw in the future that he would die: and that no efforts I made could change that future. "

She seemed to take a moment to think that over. Reaching forward, she moved to refill his teacup. Without hesitation he leaned forward and caught the pot when she dropped it. Setting it back on the table, he sat back and offered her a wan smile.

" Do you believe in destiny, Crawfordsan? " she asked, again abruptly. He looked at her questioningly. " I should think that someone who can see the future would have to. How can you see the future if it is not there already? "

She had a point, he noted as she carefully poured them tea. Destiny... he'd never really thought of it, now that it had been brought to his attention.

" But, " she said, setting the pot down and sipping from her cup, " at the same time, I have surprised you twice. " He looked curious, if not uncomfortable. She sipped again, as if parched from saying this much at once. It was the most he'd heard her say in the past two days... other than her welcome at the restaurant. " So maybe the future is only planned by the present. We still have the choice of which future we live. "

" ... perhaps... "

He watched the steam rise off the surface of the tea and spiral lazily into the air. " I only see a little at a time... just glimpses. Schuldich hears other people's thoughts all the time... he manages well enough with it, but I think there are times when he wishes he didn't. " He was speaking absently, looking off to the side. It was more voicing his thoughts in a rare moment of relaxation than really telling her anything. " Sometimes I wish I knew why the future was as it is, or will be, I suppose. Maybe I'm not supposed to know... "

" Maybe it doesn't matter. "

" Hm? "

" Maybe the 'why' doesn't matter. "

He needed time to think, the conversation had made him wonder... Getting to his feet, he murmured " Shitsurei... " to her before heading to the door. He could hear the soft rustling as she got to her feet and followed him. At the door he removed the slippers and carefully replaced his shoes. She stood behind him the whole time, her hands clasped before her, watching his every movement. When done, he reached for the door and thanked her for the tea before saying good-bye.

She went to the door as he left, watching him walk down the hall towards the stairs.

He didn't get very far before he stopped walking.

She said, " You forgot your umbrella, " and held it out to him.

Crawford turned back and took the umbrella from her. But as his fingers closed around hers over it, he kept moving forward, leaning down and kissing her like it was the most natural thing in the world for him to do.

Dropping his hand from the umbrella, he wrapped it around her waist and pulled her close to him. His other hand buried itself into the still-damp black hair at her neck, as he deepened the kiss. The air felt electric and his body felt distant as he clung to that moment. Again her movements were prevailant in what he paid attention to: from the way she kissed him back to the gentle touch of her hand on his shoulder.

Time stopped: and when it started again they parted slowly, moving apart in slow motion. Perhaps they were both wondering what in the past two days had led to this, or maybe it was as it had been said earlier... it didn't matter.

Riva pressed the umbrella back into his hand and kissed his fingers gently. " Ki o tsukete. "

He nodded, taking his leave for real this time. But at the stairs he paused when she said, " Bangohan...  if you're not busy. "

He looked over his shoulder at her and agreed, " Aah, see you then. "

" Hai. "

~Owari~

* * *

[Oro? ~looks around~ Hey! I'm done! Woo! The WK Fic of Doom has been completed! ~cheers~ Actually, thinking about it.. this only took me, what? four, five days? ~proud~ and it's not that long even, only 15 pages. ~cough~ Anyway, thank you for reading my little WK ficcie. (it was kinda nice when Aste came on right when I was writing the end there) It's May now, Teychan better get her ass in gear working on USWK. So.. yeah... strangely enough, I like this one, tho I'm not usually a fan of romance stories. Oh well. Ja ne~ back to MnD I go.]

[Written by Inseiko 2001]
    [Corrected by Inseiko later in 2001]